Turning in the latter will forgive a portion of those hefty fines and help someone in need.

The Harker Heights Public Library “Food for Fines” program is back, offering people with overdue-book fines the chance to pay them off and give back to the community at the same time.

For every nonperishable food item donated between now and Nov. 30, the library will forgive 50 cents in overdue fines.

The food items will be donated to the Harker Heights Food Care Center.

“This is our second year doing this and it’s our way of helping the community,” said Lisa Reyes, reference librarian.

“This program is good for people who have substantial fines, to get them reduced and to do something good for the community at the same time.”

Gearing up for the holiday season that’s just two weeks away, food items needed by the food care center include rice, pasta, instant potatoes, flour, sugar, coffee, cereal, soups, sauces, and canned meats such as Spam and chicken.

Reyes said they are also collecting and accepting toiletry items.

For more information on the “Food for Fines” program, call 254-953-5491.